Optical Gain Adjuster Using Spot Conversion for Channel-Wise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) face challenges in separately adjusting the gain of multiple optical signal channels and are poorly compatible with space optical structures, requiring high-power pump light adjustments that lead to inefficiencies and compatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A gain adjuster comprising a light spot conversion component and a gain medium, coupled with a pump laser, allows for independent adjustment of optical signal gains by controlling light spot sizes, enabling flexible gain amplification or reduction of multiple channels without increasing pump light power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the power of pump light is increased to amplify the gain of optical signals, then the gain amplification capability is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegain amplification capabilityVSAvoidpump light power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial distribution parameters of pump light by using lens arrays to create multiple focused spots with different intensities across the gain medium, enabling independent gain control for different signal channels without increasing total pump power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the pump light distribution into multiple independent regions using lens arrays, where each lens focuses pump light to a specific spot, creating spatially separated gain regions that can be independently controlled for different wavelength channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single erbium-doped fiber is used to amplify multiple channels, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to separately adjust gain of each channel is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamplifier structureVSAvoidseparate gain adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying pump light intensities across the gain medium, where different regions have different pump power densities, enabling each region to provide tailored gain characteristics for specific wavelength channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control capability by allowing independent adjustment of pump light distribution across multiple spots, enabling real-time separate gain control for different channels while maintaining a single physical amplifier structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If all-fiber structure is used for EDFA, then the structure is compact and easy to manufacture, but compatibility with space optical structures is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemanufacturabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with space optical structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the all-fiber mechanical coupling structure with a space-optical approach using free-space light transmission and lens arrays, improving compatibility with space optical structures while maintaining compact form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a hybrid structure that can interface with both fiber-optic systems and space optical components, making the amplifier universally applicable in different optical system architectures including satellite and ground-based space optical communications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces noise and cost, improves compatibility with space optical components, and enhances network performance by allowing separate gain control of multiple channels, reducing insertion loss and extending network bandwidth.

Implementation Method 1

The light spot conversion component is configured to adjust light spot sizes of at least some optical signals in received optical signals to output a first optical signal transmitted in space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight spot size adjustment: Lens

Implementation Method 2

The pump laser is configured to excite the gain medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical excitation: Laser

Implementation Method 3

The gain medium is configured to adjust a gain of the first optical signal to output a second optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGain medium amplification: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12573805B2Gain adjuster, gain adjustment method, and optical line terminal

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A gain adjuster, a gain adjustment method, and an optical line terminal are provided, to separately adjust a gain of a to-be-adjusted optical signal. The gain adjuster includes a light spot conversion component and a gain medium that are sequentially coupled. The gain adjuster further includes a pump laser. The light spot conversion component is configured to adjust light spot sizes of at least some optical signals in received optical signals to output a first optical signal transmitted in space. The pump laser is configured to excite the gain medium. The gain medium is configured to adjust a gain of the first optical signal to output a second optical signal.